Räikkönen establishes a long-term stay at Ferrari!

Ferrari has extended reigning world champion Kimi Räikkönen’s contract until the end of the 2010 season, putting an end to rumors of Fernando Alonso’s impending arrival.

According to a statement from Scuderia: Ferrari announces that it has extended its agreement with Kimi Räikkönen until the end of the 2010 season.

« Consequently, the driver line-up of Ferrari remains unchanged for the next two seasons (2009 and 2010). »

Räikkönen’s teammate, Felipe Massa, had signed an agreement last year that secured him until the end of 2010.

The Finnish driver is experiencing a difficult 2008 season and his chances of retaining his crown are dwindling as only five races remain.

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo stated last month that Räikkönen should regain his form in the near future.

« All these critiques about Räikkönen remind me of when Filippo Inzaghi was at Juventus: if he wasn’t in the starting lineup for three games, everyone would say he was at his worst, » explained di Montezemolo.

« Let’s not forget that he is the world champion and last year, he won the title in his first season with Ferrari when many people hadn’t even considered it. Now, his tally is at 17 victories and I hope he will return to the top in the next Grand Prix. In any case, he is not a driver in crisis. »

« Kimi Räikkönen is motivated and the team must work to put him in the best position on a starting grid, especially on these new circuits that I don’t like and that are harmful to F1. »